Governor Unveils State Budget, Proposes $1 Billion in Economic Recovery Spending

Today, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted unveiled the Executive Biennial State Operating Budget for FY 2022-2023. The proposed budget provisions focus on spurring Ohio’s economic recovery, post pandemic, by investing nearly $1 billion of one-time spending in Ohio’s communities, people and businesses. The funding comes from a combination of:

• Federal dollars

• Re-financing state debt

• Reduced state workforce

• Mid-year cuts to state agencies

Notably, the Governor indicated that his budget proposal does not include any tax increases.

Deemed the ‘Investing in Ohio Initiative,’ the Administration’s budget proposals include targeted investments to Ohio’s businesses that have been hardest hit during the pandemic and to the communities most in need, in an effort to address disparities, build prosperity, and set Ohio on the road to a brighter future. Key components include:

Support for Ohio’s Small Businesses

$460 M to support Ohio's small businesses that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• $200 M in grants for bars and restaurants;

• $150 M in grants for Small Business Relief Grant applicants, who previously applied and are qualified;

• $50 M in grants for lodging industry businesses;

• $40 M in grants for indoor entertainment venues; and,

• $20 M in grants for new businesses, many of whom were unqualified to receive previous funding.

Vibrant and Strong Communities

$450 M to Ohio’s communities that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-10 pandemic.

• $200 M toward key infrastructure projects to attract jobs, bring more investment into communities and improve the quality of life for residents; and,

• $250 M for broadband expansion to help bridge the digital divide.

Growing Ohio’s Workforce

$70 M in workforce development initiatives to ensure that businesses have access to the talent needed to be successful, while upskilling Ohioans who are looking to acquire in-demand, tech-focused credentials.

• $5 M for 5,000 tech-focused credentials through the TechCred program in fiscal year 2021;

• $50 M for 40,000 tech-focused credentials through the TechCred program; and,

• $15 M for workforce efforts in economically distressed rural and urban communities.

Healthy People

$50 M one-time investment to advance public health equity initiatives to be led by the Ohio Department of Health.

• $6 M to support local health departments in improving Ohio’s population health based upon the findings and recommendations in Ohio’s 2020-2022 State Health Improvement Plan;

• $5.5 M to improve the health of infants and women;

• $2 M to identify and address social determinants of health;

• $3.25 M for emergency department diversion and harm reduction efforts;

• $5 M for nursing home quality training;

• $2.25 M for housing for pregnant mothers;

• $25 M to improve public health data; and,

• $1 M to invest in projects to increase technology access for individuals with developmental disabilities through the Technology First Initiative.

Telling Ohio’s Story

$50 M investment toward elevating Ohio’s standing on a national scale through a marketing campaign to promote the state as a world-class place to live, work, and learn. The initiative aims to showcase all that Ohio, and its people, have to offer, including its wide array of career opportunities, top-tier colleges and universities, premier destinations, and vibrant communities.